Why there cannot be an American empire

Miliband Lecture on American Power in the 21st Century

America's actions since September 11 have led neo-conservatives in the US to claim the coming of a new American empire, but this is collapsing even as its begins. These new imperialists have misunderstood how empires of the past have conquered and ruled and have failed to realise that the US lacks the necessary ideological, economic, military and political powers for empire.

Professor Michael Mann, UCLA, will speak on The Incoherent Empire: why there cannot be an American empire at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) on Tuesday 25 November.

By looking at how empires of the past have conquered and ruled, he will show that the 'Age of Empire' has gone, replaced by the 'Age of Nation-States' and of nationalism, it's ideology.

Michael Mann is professor of sociology, UCLA. He is the author of The Sources of Social Power and Incoherent Empire.

Professor David Held, LSE, will chair this event.

The Incoherent Empire: why there cannot be an American empire is on Tuesday 25 November at 6.30pm in the Old Theatre, Old Building, LSE, Houghton St, London WC2A. This event is free and open to all with no ticket required. Entry is on a first come, first served basis.

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